Alaska SeaLife Center Promotes Scientist to CEO
Alaska SeaLife Center
The board of the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) in Seward chose Wei Ying Wong as the new President and CEO. Wong has worked at ASLC since December 2021 as chief science and education officer.
“Leading the Center in fulfilling its mission is dear to my heart,” Wong says. “I was originally attracted to the ASLC because of its reputation for groundbreaking research and the potential in the mission. Over time, my commitment to the organization has deepened as I grew to know the staff and community. The ASLC has the capacity to serve as a formidable science enterprise at the scale it promised at its founding.”
Wong is the successor to Tara Riemer, who has been at ASLC for twenty years, the last twelve as president and CEO. “Under her leadership, the center has grown and developed into a world-class organization providing education, research, and programs that have improved our knowledge of Alaska’s unique marine environment,” says Board Chair Josie Hickel of Riemer. “We are confident that Dr. Wong is the right leader to continue growing ASLC’s leadership in stewarding Alaska’s marine health.”
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Wong earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in environmental studies at Brown University; her specialty is invasion ecology research. She previously served in executive roles at the Washington Sea Grant, Woodland Park Zoo, and the Philadelphia Zoo. She has received numerous awards and fellowships and is a 2019 graduate of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium Executive Leadership Development Program.
At ASLC, Wong is credited with expanding science and education programs through collaborative grants and fundraising, including successfully launching the Community Organized Restoration and Learning network.
“I am thrilled that Dr. Wong will be leading the Alaska SeaLife Center,” Hickel adds. “Dr. Wong will continue to be a champion of science and research as part of ASLC’s renewed emphasis on delivering its mission in the face of impacts to Alaska’s marine ecosystems from climate change and other environmental factors.”
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We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!